In modern life, we are inseparable from the impact of wireless technology. Wireless networks make it easier for us to connect to the internet and communicate using smartphones.
But, did you know that wireless networks have different types with different functions and ways of working in each type?
This article will help you understand the technology we use every day by discussing the types of wireless networks and how they work.
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Table of Contents
Types of Wireless Networks and How They Work
Wireless networks can be categorized based on range, purpose, and use. The following are the most common types of wireless networks:
1. Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
WPAN is a wireless network designed to cover a personal area or the area around an individual device. Its operational range is usually relatively short, no more than a few meters or tens of meters.
WPAN enables electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers, and wearable devices, to communicate with each other without using cables.
Examples of WPAN technologies include Bluetooth, Infrared, Zigbee, WiFi Direct, and Ultra Wideband (UWB). A common example of its use is when you connect wireless headphones to a smartphone or transfer files between Bluetooth devices.
How it works:
WPAN works by connecting devices using wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth or Zigbee. Devices send and receive data via electromagnetic waves that form an ad-hoc network. This network allows each device to communicate directly with the others without an intermediary.
2. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A WLAN is a local area network that uses radio transmission or wireless waves to connect two or more devices. With this technology, users can exchange data and information through a wider internet network.
Areas that use WLAN are usually homes, schools, campuses, offices, airports, libraries, or specific areas with limited coverage. One example of WLAN is WiFi inside a building, which can only be connected to if there are people inside the building.
How it works:
WLAN works by using radio waves to send and receive data wirelessly at a frequency of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, depending on the WiFi standard used. These devices require a router or Access Point (AP) to transmit and broadcast signals. Devices such as smartphones or laptops connected to the network will receive signals through their internal antennas.
3. Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN)
WMAN is a wireless network that covers a larger geographical area than a LAN (Local Area Network), but is smaller than a WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network).
This type of network is typically used to provide wireless connectivity within a city or metropolitan area. Examples of its use can be found in many applications, such as public internet access, remote monitoring, and smart transportation systems.
How it works:
WMAN works similarly to WLAN, where access points connected to the internet broadcast wireless signals. Users connect to the network through the nearest access point, which then forwards the connection to the Internet. The technology often used to connect devices to the network is WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).
4. Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
WWAN is a type of wireless network that covers a wide geographical area, such as a city, country, or even globally.
This wireless network utilizes technologies such as 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, and satellites to provide cellular services to users in various locations. This allows users to connect to the internet and exchange data from almost anywhere, as long as there is cellular network coverage.
One example of a WWAN application is the cellular service used on smartphones. Users can access the internet, make voice calls, and exchange text messages in various locations, even while on the move.
How it works:
WWAN works by utilizing the 4G/5G cellular tower network infrastructure to send signals to user devices. These signals are then received by devices such as smartphones via a SIM card connected to the service provider’s network.
5. Internet of Things Network (IoT)
An IoT network is a specialized wireless network designed to connect smart devices on a large scale. This network enables the automatic collection and exchange of data without human interaction.
Examples of IoT applications include smart homes, transportation, smart health, smart manufacturing, and smart farming. In addition, this network supports the formation of smart city management for large-scale automation in urban environments.
How it works:
IoT networks work by connecting various devices through sensors, connectivity, and analytics. These networks use various protocols, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, or LoRaWAN, which are designed to support low-power and long-range communication.
Comparison Between Wireless Network Types
| Network | Range | Data speed | Examples of use | Supporting technology |
| WPAN | Very limited, up to 10 meters. | Low to moderate | Connecting wireless headphones to a smartphone | Bluetooth and Zigbee |
| WLAN | Limited to local areas, up to 100 meters. | High | WiFi networks at home and at work | WiFi |
| WMAN | Covers an area of one city with a radius of up to 50 km. | High | Internet access throughout the city | WiMAX |
| WWAN | Covers a very large area, global coverage. | Varies, depending on the mobile technology used | Internet connection on mobile phones and tablets | GSM, CDMA, or LTE |
| IoT | Varies depending on the technology, from 10 cm to 10 km | High | Smart homes, transportation, smart health, smart manufacturing, smart farming, and smart city management | WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular network, and Zigbee |
Those are the 5 types of wireless networks and how they work. By understanding the types of wireless networks, such as WPAN, WLAN, WMAN, WWAN, and IoT Networks, you can choose the technology that best suits your needs.
In the end, we can use the benefits of wireless networks as a practical and flexible connectivity solution for various needs, from personal communications to smart city management.
